NOTE FROM BRO. INGRAHAM.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
BRO. SMITH: I have received Testimony to the Church, No. 6, and have read it through. Its truths are most cutting and the reproofs given are timely. I prize the work much, especially that portion which has reference to myself. I shall heed the instruction given, and by the grace of God bear a plain testimony against evil of every form in the church. God is calling upon the ministry to make straight work in the proclamation of the truth. Let us arise at once and take hold of this great work. We have been too slow to act in unison with those whom the Lord in his providence has placed at the head of this work. So it has been in my case. I have been satisfied for some time that business matters in connection with the church have been too loose. In all my deal I have been careful to have everything done in a legal manner to avoid future trouble. But when the real thing came up which was calculated to bring the church into a right position, I was afraid of it. But I am satisfied if we lay hold of it, it will become a staff in our hand. Before Testimony No. 6 had reached me, I had written to Pennsylvania declaring I should go with the Battle Creek conference, and receive the name of Seventh-day Adventist. I see the necessity of union on this point. The Devil will oppose us in this step. He has done it in the past, and will still give us battle. The Mauston delusion branded the Battle Creek proceedings with Babylon. This wild streak of fanaticism has exploded, and those connected with it are ready to pronounce it the work of Satan. I wonder if they are willing now to endorse the proceedings of the Battle Creek conference? If so let us hear from you. How can a church numbering 144,000, or half that number, be managed in business matters without the strictest adherence to legal proceedings? We must be straight upon this point, or go to pieces. Wherein my caution has caused a waiving of common sense, and burdens have been thrown upon any of my brethren by my not acting in a prompt manner in unison with them, I ask their pardon. Yours in hope of eternal life. WM. S. INGRAHAM.
Monroe, Wis.